Curtain rod, pulley case, and support combination

ABSTRACT

A hollow, tubular, curtain rod of the draw curtain type is provided with an internally mounted pulley case and a support bracket arrangement whereby the pulley case rests on the bracket and the rod rests on the pulley case. This provides for direct application of stress on the draw cords to the bracket rather than to the rod. In addition means are provided for securing the case against motion relative to the bracket at the same time without introducing an unsightly bracket arm in an exposed position at the front of the rod. Other features include adaptability of the pulley case for fitting either of two sizes of telescoping rods without modification.

D United States Patent 1 1 3, 53,091 McKenna et al. [4 1 Apr. 4, 1972[54] CURTAIN ROD, PULLEY CASE, AND 3,333,622 8/1967 Graber ..160/345SUPPORT COMBINATION 3,329,384 7/1967 Salzmann 160/345 X 3,521,317 7/1970Ford ..160/346 X Inventors: Robert McKenlw, 111 Liverpool Street,3,470,578 10/1969 Graber et al... ..l6/94 D Want/16k, 6; John E.Williamson, 3,119,443 1/1964 Stubblefield 160/345 22 Third Street, W.Barrington, R.l. 02390 Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay AssistantExaminer-Peter A. Aschenbrenner [22] Ffled May 1970 Attorney-Russell &Nields [21] Appl. No.: 40,215

[57] ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl ..16/94, 160/345 A ollow, ub lar, c rtain rodof the draw curtain type is pro- 51 111:. C1. ..A47h1/10 vided with aninternally mounted p y case and a pp 58 Held olsearch ..l6/87.4, 87.6,93 0,94 D, bracket arrangement whereby the P y case rests on the 16/95D; 160/345, 346, 347 bracket and the rod rests on the pulley case. Thisprovides for direct application of stress on the draw cords to thebracket [56] References u rather than to the rod. In addition means areprovided for securing the case against motion relative to the bracket atthe UNITED STATES PATENTS same time without introducing an unsightlybracket arm in an ex osed osition at the front of the rod. Otherfeatures include l662928 3/1928 Ku'sch "16/93 D ad ptabil ity of thepulley case for fitting either of two sizes of 311551149 1 Ford '16/94 Dx telescoping rods without modification. 2,590,370 3/1952 Bell ..160/3452,986,224 10/1949 Stutz ..160/345 10 Claims, 7 Drawing FiguresPATENTEDAPR 4 I972 FIG. I

INYE'NTORS ATTORNEYS BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates to drapery hardware and more particularly to a supportand pulley case arrangement for hollow slotted tubular curtain rods ofthe draw curtain type. Such rods are usually provided with a pulleyarrangement at one end to receive and accomodate draw cords whichcommunicate through the interior of the rod to curtain carriers adaptedto slide longitudinally in the slot of the rod. In the past, such drawcurtain rods have usually been built to withstand not only the stressesapplied to the rod from the weight of the curtain, but also the stressesfrom the draw cords transmitted to the rod from the pulleys. We havefound, however, that the stresses applied by the cords are actuallygreater than those coming from the weight of the curtain alone, and thatthis has led to the use of heavier weight metal in the rod than isactually necessary for merely supporting the curtains, and the result isan inefficient use of materials. It is therefor an object of thisinvention to provide a means for applying the stresses arising from thedraw cords directly to an appropriately reinforced wall bracket withoutthose forces being communicated through the rod material to the bracket.A concommitant object is to provide a relatively light-weight rod,having no more strength in itself than is needed for an adequate curtainsupporting function together with separate means for taking care of thedraw cord stress resisting function.

In addition, it is an object of this invention to provide a means forsupporting the rod in which the support element serves a dual functionof directly resisting the draw cord stresses, and at the same timerestraining the curtain carriers from escaping from the rod. Anothersubsidiary object is to provide a support element satisfying theforegoing objects without at the same time adding any exposed elementsor brackets on the front surface of the rod.

An additional object has to do with adapting the pulley case forinsertion into and connection to either of two sizes of rod so that itcan be used at either end of telescoping rods without requiringmodification.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the accomplishment of the foregoingobjects in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a hollow tubularslotted curtain rod, often in two telescoping sections, is used. One endof the rod is perforated at its lower surface to provide a pulley casereceiving opening into which a pulley case is fitted and secured infixed relation to the rod. The lower surface of the pulley case isexposed, and a U-shaped support bracket is provided to receive andsupport the base of the pulley case. In this way the rod is actuallysupported by the pulley case and the pulley case only by the bracket.Thus the rod need only be strong enough to support the curtainsthemselves and need not also be capable of resisting the draw cordstresses. These latter are absorbed entirely the pulley case andbracket.

Additional features include means associated with the pulley case forfixing it against motion relative to the bracket in all directionsexcept upward motion vertically, and also for holding it against suchupward motion by spring friction. Another feature includes means incombination with the foregoing for hiding the front arm of the supportbracket within the rod so as to leave the front surface of the rod fullyexposed and unmarred by the bracket. Still another feature is thecombined provision of a gate associated with the pulley case forinserting or removing curtain carriers into or out of the slot of therod, together with means on the support bracket for closing the saidgate when the rod is mounted on the bracket.

Additional features include adaptation of the pulley case for insertioninto and securing it to either end of telescoping rods without requiringmodification of the case or the rods.

Accordingly, the invention provides for use of a lighter weight, lessexpensive curtain rod material while maintaining adequate supportingstrength. At the same time, it presents a more attractive arrangementand with additional qualities of versatility and ease of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in front elevation of aportion of a tubular curtain rod with pulley case and bracket insertedand with draw cords in place;

FIG. 2 is a view in bottom elevation of the rod portion of FIG. 1 withthe pulley case, bracket, and cords removed;

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view depicting the interior elements of FIG.1, on a larger scale;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view in end 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial view, similar to FIG. 4, larger scale the fitting ofthe pulley case into ter rod;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of bracket, and their relationship;

FIG. 7 is a view in rear elevation of the rod with pulley case, cords,and an idler carrier showing the carrier gate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

The preferred embodiment herein shown comprises a hollow tubular slottedcurtain rod 10 which may include sections of different sizes intelescoping relation. One end of the rod is perforated at its lower faceas indicated at 12 in FIG. 2, to provide a pulley case receivingopening.

The pulley case, indicated generally at 14 in FIG. 6, is made from asingle stamping bent into an inverted U-shaped channel to provide a topwall 16, a front wall 18, and a rear wall 20. Pulleys 22 areappropriately mounted in the pulley case.

The top wall 16 of the pulley case is stamped to provide two upstandingrod support lugs 24 which fit into appropriate perforations 26 (see FIG.2) in the top of the rod.

When the pulley case is inserted into the rod the lugs 24 pass throughthe perforations 26 and are then bent over to secure the rod and pulleycase in fixed relation. In order to make this possible for either sizeof two telescoping rods the lugs 24 are provided with a small upperportion 28 (see FIG. 5), and a widened lower portion 30. The smaller ofthe rods then is provided with larger perforations 26 so that the pulleycase fits further up into the smaller rod and the entire lug 24including the widened portion 30 is bent over to secure the pulley case.Whereas the larger of the rods is provided with small perforations 26which can receive only the upper portion 28 of the lugs 24. In this waythe lower edge of the pulley case is positioned accurately andautomatically in relation to the pulley case receiving opening 12.

The pulley case is supported by a U-shaped bracket indicated generallyat 32, comprising a base 34 adapted for connection to a wall, anextension arm 36, and a U-shaped member at the end of the extension arm36 comprising a rear arm 38, a bottom arm 40 and a front arm 42. Thepulley case fits down into the bracket, and its front and rear walls 18and 20 are notched at 44 to prevent longitudinal motion of the pulleycase relative to the bracket. Also in this position the lower surfacesof walls 18 and 20 in the said notched areas rest on the bottom wall 40of the U-shaped bracket. This holds the pulley case from tippingrelative to the bracket. Inward and outward motion is restrained by thefront and rear arms of the bracket, and upward vertical motion isrestrained by spring friction between the front arm 42 of the bracketand the front wall 18 of the pulley case.

The rod 10 is also provided with a carrier gate or loading stationindicated at 46 (see FIG. 7) for inserting or removing carriers. Whenthe rod is mounted on the bracket, however, the rear arm 38 of thebracket covers up the gate 46 and the carriers cannot then inadvertentlyescape. An ear 48 is also elevation taken along line illustrating on a asmaller diamethe pulley case, the support provided on the pulley casefor preventing carrier motion past the pulley case even when the rod isnot mounted. The car 48 must be bent from only one side of the pulleycase as may be appropriate for a right hand or left hand mount.Otherwise the pulley case needs no special adaptation for changing fromlarge to small rod or right to left hand mount.

In order to hide the front arm 42 of the bracket, the pulley casereceiving opening 12 is provided with a widened portion 50 (see FIG. 2)so that when the pulley case is mounted on the bracket, the front arm 42of the bracket slides up inside the rod along the front wall 18 of thepulley case. This preserves the appearance of the rod and also avoidsscratching or scarring the rod which otherwise would occur.

The walls 18 and 20 of the pulley case are also provided with outwardlyflared lower portions 52 which serve a combined function. First, theyprovide a tapered run-in for the draw cords. This provides for smootheroperation and less wear on the cords. Second, the flared portions 52provide a tapered fit along the sides of the pulley case receivingopening 12, thus making a more secure and rattle free connection for thecombination.

Having now described the preferred embodiment of the invention, variousmodifications will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, andtherefore it is not intended to limit it to the specific form shown butrather to the broader concepts defined in the appended claims:

We claim:

1. Apparatus for supporting draw curtains comprising in combination; ahollow, tubular, continuous, slotted curtain rod perforated at its lowersurface at one end to form a pulley case receiving opening; meansconnecting said pulley case to said rod in said opening with a lowersurface of said pulley case remaining exposed and said pulley case insupporting relation to said rod; a bracket having a mounting end and asupport end; said mounting end adapted for attachment to a wall; andsaid support end adapted to receive and support said lower surface ofsaid pulley case, whereby said pulley case and the pulleys therein aresupported directly by said bracket, said curtain rod is supporteddirectly against downward forces by said pulley case, and the onlyforces applied to said rod derive from the curtain as distinct from thedraw cords.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further characterized by the supportend of said bracket formed into a generally U- shaped portion having anouter and a bottom arm adapted to receive said pulley case and an innerarm adapted to abut against an exterior wall of said curtain rod.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 further characterized by resilientmeans associated with said U-shaped portion for holding said casetherein by spring responsive frictional forces.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 further characterized by interlockingmeans on said bracket and pulley case for holding said case on saidbracket in fixed relation thereto against relative motion in alldirections except upward therefrom.

5. Apparatus defined in claim 2 further characterized by said pulleycase receiving opening being larger than said pulley case and definingbetween said rod and said pulley case a bracket receiving opening alongthe surface of said pulley case which normally faces away from themounting end of said bracket; and the outer arm of said U-shaped portionfitting into said bracket receiving opening.

6. Apparatus defined in claim 2 further characterized by said curtainrod adapted to receive curtain carriers slidable in the slot of saidrod; a carrier loading station including a widened portion of said slotpositioned adjacent to said pulley case; and the inner arm of saidU-shaped portion covering said carrier loading station when said pulleycase is mounted on said bracket.

7. Apparatus defined in claim 2 further characterized by means on saidpulley case for preventing carriers from sliding past said pulley case.

8. A pulley case and hollow slotted curtain rod combination comprising;an outer and an inner rod-in telescopin relation; said outer rod have agreater [.D. than the 0D. 0 the inner rod; each rod perforated at itsunder surface to provide a pulley case receiving opening; a pulley casedimensioned to fit into each said opening, means on said pulley case forpositioning the upper portion of said pulley case adjacent to the upperinterior surface of said inner rod when said case is fully lodged in thepulley case receiving opening of said inner rod, and for positioning theupper portion of said case below the upper interior surface of saidouter rod when said case is fully lodged in the pulley case receivingopening of said outer rod by a dimension equal to the difference ofdimension between said outer and inner rods; and means for locking saidpulley case in said rods.

9. The pulley case and rod combination defined in claim 8 furthercharacterized by a pair of lugs on the upper surface of said pulleycase, each said lug having a small upper portion and a larger lowerportion; perforations formed in the upper surface of said outer rodspaced and dimensioned to receive the small upper portion only of saidlugs; and perforations formed in the upper surface of said inner rodspaced and dimensioned to receive the larger lower portions of saidlugs.

10. The pulley case and rod combination defined in claim 8 furthercharacterized by means on said pulley case for preventing curtaincarriers from sliding past said case in the slot of said rod.

1. Apparatus for supporting draw curtains comprising in combination; ahollow, tubular, continuous, slotted curtain rod perforated at its lowersurface at one end to form a pulley case receiving opening; meansconnecting said pulley case to said rod in said opening with a lowersurface of said pulley case remaining exposed and said pulley case insupporting relation to said rod; a bracket having a mounting end and asupport end; said mounting end adapted for attachment to a wall; andsaid support end adapted to receive and support said lower surface ofsaid pulley case, whereby said pulley case and the pulleys therein aresupported directly by said bracket, said curtain rod is supporteddirectly against downward forces by said pulley case, and the onlyforces applied to said rod derive from the curtain as distinct from thedraw cords.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further characterized bythe support end of said bracket formed into a generally U-shaped portionhaving an outer and a bottom arm adapted to receive said pulley case andan inner arm adapted to abut against an exterior wall of said curtainrod.
 3. Apparatus as Defined in claim 2 further characterized byresilient means associated with said U-shaped portion for holding saidcase therein by spring responsive frictional forces.
 4. Apparatus asdefined in claim 2 further characterized by interlocking means on saidbracket and pulley case for holding said case on said bracket in fixedrelation thereto against relative motion in all directions except upwardtherefrom.
 5. Apparatus defined in claim 2 further characterized by saidpulley case receiving opening being larger than said pulley case anddefining between said rod and said pulley case a bracket receivingopening along the surface of said pulley case which normally faces awayfrom the mounting end of said bracket; and the outer arm of saidU-shaped portion fitting into said bracket receiving opening. 6.Apparatus defined in claim 2 further characterized by said curtain rodadapted to receive curtain carriers slidable in the slot of said rod; acarrier loading station including a widened portion of said slotpositioned adjacent to said pulley case; and the inner arm of saidU-shaped portion covering said carrier loading station when said pulleycase is mounted on said bracket.
 7. Apparatus defined in claim 2 furthercharacterized by means on said pulley case for preventing carriers fromsliding past said pulley case.
 8. A pulley case and hollow slottedcurtain rod combination comprising; an outer and an inner rod intelescoping relation; said outer rod have a greater I.D. than the O.D.of the inner rod; each rod perforated at its under surface to provide apulley case receiving opening; a pulley case dimensioned to fit intoeach said opening, means on said pulley case for positioning the upperportion of said pulley case adjacent to the upper interior surface ofsaid inner rod when said case is fully lodged in the pulley casereceiving opening of said inner rod, and for positioning the upperportion of said case below the upper interior surface of said outer rodwhen said case is fully lodged in the pulley case receiving opening ofsaid outer rod by a dimension equal to the difference of dimensionbetween said outer and inner rods; and means for locking said pulleycase in said rods.
 9. The pulley case and rod combination defined inclaim 8 further characterized by a pair of lugs on the upper surface ofsaid pulley case, each said lug having a small upper portion and alarger lower portion; perforations formed in the upper surface of saidouter rod spaced and dimensioned to receive the small upper portion onlyof said lugs; and perforations formed in the upper surface of said innerrod spaced and dimensioned to receive the larger lower portions of saidlugs.
 10. The pulley case and rod combination defined in claim 8 furthercharacterized by means on said pulley case for preventing curtaincarriers from sliding past said case in the slot of said rod.